Roasted Red Peppers w/ Basil Oil

4 large red bell peppers, seeded and cut in 1/2 lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 1/2 cups
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups basil leaves, plus 8 basil leaves for garnish
1 clove garlic, chopped

Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil on a baking sheet and place the peppers, cut side up on the oil. Turn the peppers over, season them with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Place the warm peppers in a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside to cool for at least 30 minutes.

For the basil oil, put the basil, 1 1/2 cups olive oil, and the garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse 6 to 8 times until the basil is finely chopped.

When the peppers are cool, remove and discard the skins. Slice the peppers and arrange them on a plate. Pour the basil oil over the peppers, and garnish with the basil leaves

*THIS is Italian. Part of my first meal in Italy and they are GOOD. You can cook green beans and other delicious veggies this way. The addition of the basil oil is really unnecessary...but if you feel inclined to try it, go ahead. Enjoy!
*Courtesy of Food Network, Barefoot Contessa.

Oven Roasted Veggies

1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled
½ lb carrots
1-2 onions
3 Tbs olive oil
2-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
¼ tsp dried tyme
Salt and pepper
McCormic Steak Seasoning

Basically any vegetable you want roasted
Place on sheet in a single layer
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings Roast until tender when pierced with a fork
(35-40 minutes).

*Lindsey Jensen Recipe

Hawaiian Haystacks

SAUCE:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
(add extra bouillon for extra chicken flavor)

TOPPINGS:
Diced chicken
Pineapple tidbits
Cheddar cheese, grated
Chopped celery
Chowmein noodles
Toasted coconut
Sliced almonds
Green onions, chopped

Melt butter and mix in flour
Add broth and milk, stir in figure 8 until thick.

Serve toppings over rice, cover with sauce/gravy

*Lindsey Jensen Recipe